Year

Permanent link

Metadata

Appears in the following Collection

Abstract

Title

“Attitudes and experiences of breastfeeding among mothers of infants – a qualitative study”.

Background

In Norway, the recommendations for duration of breastfeeding follows WHO’s guidelines: an infant should be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, and then gradually be introduced to solid food while still being breastfed until the child is at least one year. Even though most mums in Norway breastfeed their child, it may look like the trend is pointing downwards. As long as not all children are being breastfed, it is important to guide all new mothers in the best possible way to maintain and increase the number of breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, it is important to find out more about new mothersʼ attitudes and experiences when it comes to breastfeeding.

Method

To learn more about the mothers’ attitudes and experiences with breastfeeding, we chose a qualitative research method with the use of a semi-structured interview. Our goal was to get a new understanding and create a basis for new research. We interviewed 14 new mothers with infants between 2 and 6 months.

Findings and conclusion

There is a lack of knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding among new mothers, and great uncertainty about when to introduce solid food. Furthermore, most mothers experience some difficulties with breastfeeding, especially in the beginning. We think it should be communicated clearer to the moms that this is normal. The guidance and the amount of staff at the maternity departments can be somewhat improved to help the women the first few days after delivery. Finally, it is important to capture the women who have difficulties with breastfeeding before they are discharched from the hospital. The hospital staff could maybe inform the health clinic so that a midwife can contact the woman and make sure she gets it right.